Strategic Project Manager - Health Facilities Operations

About the Department and Role

This position is available exclusively to residents of Colorado and may be used to fill several openings. The work is primarily within the Operations and Strategy division, supporting the Department of Human Services' mission by managing organizational performance and strategic projects via the Strategic Operations and Solutions team. The role involves hybrid work with a minimum of two days onsite per week at 1575 Sherman Street, Denver, CO.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and independently manage moderately complex, high-impact strategic projects that cross multiple departments, specifically related to health facilities programs such as Civil and Forensic Mental Health hospitals, Division of Youth Services, Regional Centers, and Veterans Community Living Centers, overseeing full project lifecycles.
• Drive process improvement initiatives within these health facilities programs through all project stages.
• Develop and implement strategies for organizational change management supporting departmental customers in the health facilities sector.
• Engage in continuous professional development and participate in team workgroups to support program evolution and meet job competencies.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants can qualify via two routes:

• Seven years of project management experience focused on health facilities programs including managing complex cross-functional projects with responsibilities like planning, execution, risk, and stakeholder management.
• A combined seven years of relevant education and/or experience, including at least three years managing complex projects aligned with the job duties, in areas such as public administration, social work, behavioral health, human services, public affairs, organizational development, education, or public health.

Education or additional experience beyond minimum may substitute for required experience or degree on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Attributes

• Prior experience managing projects in health facility settings with accountable decision-making.
• Strong relationship-building skills with various stakeholders including executive leadership and subject matter experts.
• Experience with process improvement or project management within human services or health facility contexts.
• Familiarity with project management tools such as Smartsheet and relevant certifications.
• State service experience is considered advantageous and given weight in the selection process.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful candidates will undergo standard background and reference checks.
• The role requires travel throughout Colorado and potentially nationwide.
• Applicants must be state residents at application and throughout employment tenure.
• Those previously terminated or resigned in lieu of termination from state positions must disclose such status and provide explanatory documentation.

Additional Information and Application Process

The State of Colorado follows a structured hiring process involving minimum qualification screening, comparative analysis of submitted application materials, possible standardized testing, and supplemental question responses. Experience is assessed on a full-time equivalent basis and must be thoroughly documented within the application to be considered. Appeals may be filed with the State Personnel Board under outlined procedures.

Benefits and Values

The Colorado Department of Human Services offers strong retirement benefits, health coverage options, life and disability insurance, paid holidays and leave, wellness initiatives, flexible schedules, and remote work where applicable. The department emphasizes a people-first approach, accountability, ethical conduct, transparency, and collaborative teamwork to support client-focused service delivery.

ADA Accommodations

The department is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the employment process.